Madama Butterfly

by Giacomo Puccini

Madama Butterfly was a runaway success at Her Majesty’s in March 2004!

Butterfly reminded Melbourne that Her Majesty’s is a remarkable place to watch opera. It had been 35 years since the last opera had been performed at the Maj and the critics raved about the venue as well as Melbourne Opera’s stunning production.

From the play by David Belasco and the story by John Luther Long, Madama Butterfly was presented in a traditional Japanese period production, using the original 1904 (Milan) score and sung in English. 

Synopsis (opens in new window)

The Barber of Seville

by Gioachino Antonio Rossini

Rossini’s hilarious comedy of an overprotective guardian outwitted by his daughter’s lover. Presented in 2006 in a new production directed by Hugh Halliday, designed by Anna Cordingley, and lit by Nick Merrlyees, with an All Star Cast and the Melbourne Opera Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Greg Hocking & Rick Prakhoff. Sung in English.

Synopsis (opens in new window)

Don Giovanni

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Melbourne Opera’s third production (first in the City) for 2005 was Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Collaborating again with librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, Mozart in Don Giovanni explores the dark side of traditional comedy. This is an opera of enormous power and eloquence, depicting the exploits and eventual punishment of an inveterate womanizer.

Starring: Joanna Cole, Margaret Haggart, Roger Howell, Antoinette Halloran, Richard Curtin with Christopher Tonkin & Phillip Calcagno as the Don.

Featuring: James Egglestone, Danielle Calder, Derek Welton, Adrian Tamburini, Matthew Davine, Laurence Meikle, Lee Abrahamsen, Suzan Stafford.

Designed by: Richard Jeziorny
Lighting design: Nick Merrylees
Directed by: Hugh Halliday

Melbourne Opera Orchestra and Chorus
Conducted by: Greg Hocking

Presented at the beautiful Athenaeum Theatre in July 2005

Synopsis (opens in a new window)